Aluminium tailgate band

[MCC]

I need to replace the aluminium tailgate band on my fleetside. I have seen them in LMC for $400. Is there any place they can be had for any less than that? I want to use a new one or one that is in near perfect condition. Why are these things so friggen high? Where did you get yours and how was the quality? Thanks in advance.

[plumbcut]

which band? the small one thats about 4 inches tall or the tall one thats about 10 inches tall? I got a good small one off ebay a while back, only paid like $15 for it. It wasnt "mint" but it was good enough for my truck... I have one thats damn near showroom off a '77 thats hanging on the wall in my living room though... and it aint for sale sorry. but i cant say enough about ebay!

pc

[76sierraclassic]

I have a couple of them. One of them is from a 76 and the other is from a later model. Neither of them are mint condition, but if you think you're interested, I can get pics. I'd let them go for $15/ea. plus the ride. If you're interested, let me know.

Mike

[78SilveradoSWB]

I sent you a PM.

Here is one I bought from Jeff (BigBlock73), but I decided to go with a Blazer/Jimmy new one after I put the handle on the inside.

It's in excellent shape, let me know if you are interested.

[bigblock73]

Also remember, the 73-80 gates are different that the 81+ gates...something to be careful for. The one I sold Mitch was off a '77 in case you were interested.

[76sierraclassic]

Originally Posted by bigblock73

Also remember, the 73-80 gates are different that the 81+ gates...something to be careful for. The one I sold Mitch was off a '77 in case you were interested.

You might already know this, but don't forget about emblem placement differences in Chevy vs. GMC. Chevy emblems were on the right and GMC's are on the left.

Mike

[greenworld]

Originally Posted by MCC

I need to replace the aluminium tailgate band on my fleetside. I have seen them in LMC for $400. Is there any place they can be had for any less than that? I want to use a new one or one that is in near perfect condition. Why are these things so friggen high? Where did you get yours and how was the quality? Thanks in advance.

I HAVE ONE FROM 1985 SILVERADO WILL WORK FROM 1981-87 ,GOOD CONDITION TWO MINOR DINGS

[bigblock73]

Originally Posted by 76sierraclassic

You might already know this, but don't forget about emblem placement differences in Chevy vs. GMC. Chevy emblems were on the right and GMC's are on the left.

Mike

Actually, I didn't know that...but now I do. thanks.

I was just pointing out the differences because the actual bands will not fit if they are for the wrong gate.

[SCOTI]

Originally Posted by bigblock73

......I was just pointing out the differences because the actual bands will not fit if they are for the wrong gate.

I have a new in-the-GM-box blazer tailgate band for later model gates.... I put it up against my 74 gate & it looked like it would work. What did you notice that was different? I was planning to use the one I have for swapping for the correct model year............

[Jonboy]

the dip in the gate is different. The backing for the bands corresponds with that dip, IIRC. You might be able to swap the backing and make it work. With a Blazer band, you would have to swap the backing anyhow, as there is no dip on a Blazer gate.

[76sierraclassic]

Originally Posted by SCOTI

I have a new in-the-GM-box blazer tailgate band for later model gates.... I put it up against my 74 gate & it looked like it would work. What did you notice that was different? I was planning to use the one I have for swapping for the correct model year............

I've been down that road.....

One difference is the emblems (at least for the GMC trucks). The older emblem is longer and kind of stretched out with more space between the letters.

But the main difference is with the backing plate that actually attaches the trim to the tailgate. If I'm remembering right, the older ones had 5 screw holes and the newer ones had 4, and the backing plate itself is shaped different. I have a 76 GMC, and I found a piece of trim on eBay for a good price, so I bought it. Much to my dismay I found the differences I mentioned above. I was somewhat successful in swapping the backing plates on mine, but then I found a much nicer one that was correct for my year model on eBay and used it instead. The problem with changing the backing plate is that they are not only crimped around the edges, but also siliconed on in places, and as thin as the aluminum is, it's very easy to crease or bend it.

Mike

[TexasJeff]

I am in the same situation right now as you, I would love to get a new from LMC (the only place I found to sell them) Right now I have 3 different ones,
one older (GMC), 2 newer (1 GMC, 1 Chevy). The older one I have is in really good condition with one small dent, the newer GMC one is bent up pretty bad, the Chevy one is in good condition, I was going to swap out the GMC and Chevy badges but that will not work. I did find a good GMC one on the parts board yesterday and meeting the guy tomorrow to buy it. I would be willing to sell any one of the ones I have good ones for $50 each and the bad one for $10. I can provide pictures if you like.

[cliffsta]

he he he, i love my steppie and its, odd, tailgate. No trim, just goofy white letters. And even with the rust starting to creep, i can sand it down good and throw that skin from Sir Mike's on it.

[SCOTI]

I guess my band must be different because it doesn't have any holes for any letters.... Chevy or GMC.

I was just going to use the blazer band to cover up the old hole for the truck tailgate handle (flipping the handle to the inside) so mine doesn't have any holes drilled in the tailgate,







yet.

[SanitysBane]

i've still got the tail gate off of my 83 with the trim, i went to the junkyard and picked up another red one and has a recess and says "Chevrolet" on white, i like it more, its less beat up, and the crazy thing is, it matches my ozidized(sp?) and faded paint, perfectly

[cochino12]

Originally Posted by MCC

I need to replace the aluminium tailgate band on my fleetside. I have seen them in LMC for $400. Is there any place they can be had for any less than that? I want to use a new one or one that is in near perfect condition. Why are these things so friggen high? Where did you get yours and how was the quality? Thanks in advance.

Hey MCC, I just noticed your from Co, where at? I am going to pull-save in aurora on Sat and they usually have about 10 or 73-87's I'll keep an eye out for what you need